President Donald Trump says major changes may soon be coming to college athletics — and the move could reshape the entire future of the NCAA.
During a White House roundtable on Friday with leaders from sports, business, and government, Trump signaled that he wants to roll back the controversial Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) system that has dramatically transformed college sports in recent years.
Trump told the group he believes the current model has turned college athletics into something far different from what it was originally intended to be.
“I’d like to go exactly back to what we had and push it through the courts if necessary,” Trump said during the discussion.
His comments suggest a major policy shift could be on the horizon.
Trump Plans Sweeping Executive Order On College Sports
Trump announced that he intends to sign a comprehensive executive order within the next week aimed at addressing the growing concerns surrounding NIL rules.
The order, according to the president, would attempt to restore key elements of the system that existed before the Supreme Court’s 2021 decision that weakened the NCAA’s ability to regulate athlete compensation.
“I will have an executive order within one week,” Trump said. “It will be very comprehensive and address every problem people in this room are talking about.”
Trump also acknowledged that legal challenges are almost guaranteed once the order is issued.
“We’re going to put it forward, and yes, we’ll probably get sued,” he said. “That’s the one thing we know for sure.”
Still, the president suggested the effort is necessary to bring stability back to college athletics.
Congress Also Working On NIL Reform
While Trump prepares executive action, lawmakers on Capitol Hill are also working on legislation to establish clearer national rules for college sports.
During the discussion, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) indicated that the House appears to have the votes needed to approve the SCORE Act, legislation intended to establish a nationwide framework for regulating college athletics.
The legislation would:
- Prevent NCAA athletes from being classified as employees
- Provide legal protections allowing the NCAA and conferences to enforce rules
- Create more consistency across college sports programs nationwide
However, the bill would still face a difficult path in the Senate, where it would need bipartisan backing and at least 60 votes to pass.
Legendary Coach Warns Education Is Being Forgotten
Some of the most respected voices in college sports say the NIL era has already changed the culture of college athletics.
Former Alabama football coach Nick Saban, one of the most successful coaches in college football history, expressed concern that academics are no longer receiving the attention they once did.
“Saban questioned how frequently academics are even part of the conversation anymore, noting that earning an education should remain the top priority for college athletes.”
His comments echoed a growing concern among many university leaders who worry that college athletics may be drifting too far toward a professional model.
College Sports Leaders Warn Of A Breaking Point
Other sports leaders at the meeting said the current system could threaten the long-term balance of college athletics.
Notre Dame athletic director Pete Bevacqua warned that schools may be approaching what he called a “point of no return.”
According to Bevacqua, the financial pressure created by NIL deals is already shifting resources within athletic departments.
Football programs are increasingly dominating budgets, he said, leaving fewer funds available for Olympic sports and women’s athletic programs.
Bipartisan Senate Proposal Emerges
Meanwhile, lawmakers from both parties are exploring additional ways to modernize the college sports landscape.
Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) recently reached agreement on legislation that would update the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961.
Their proposal would allow college conferences to combine and sell media rights together, potentially increasing revenue for athletic programs across the country.
The bill is expected to be formally introduced in the Senate next week.
The Future Of College Athletics Could Be Changing
The debate over NIL has become one of the most important issues facing college sports in decades.
Supporters argue that athletes deserve the ability to profit from their name and image. Critics say the current system has turned college athletics into a chaotic marketplace that undermines education and competitive balance.
President Trump’s upcoming executive order could represent the first major federal attempt to reshape the NIL era.
If implemented — and if it survives the expected legal challenges — it could mark one of the most significant turning points in the history of American college sports.
For millions of fans, coaches, and student-athletes, the future of college athletics may soon look very different.